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Public apology from Marler

Date published: April 5 2016

England prop Joe Marler has apologised and insisted he is not a racist ahead of his World Rugby hearing on Tuesday.

The Harlequins stalwart was initially reprimanded for calling Wales prop Samson Lee a "gypsy boy" during England's 25-21 Six Nations victory over Wales at Twickenham last month, but faces a retrospective ban from World Rugby.

Marler took to Twitter to apologise and said he would accept World Rugby's ruling.

"I'm not a racist," he tweeted.

"What I said to Samson was out of order and wrong and I am sorry it was said, we shook hands at the end of the game and looked to move on. Whatever happens to me tomorrow I will accept.

"I'm sorry to anyone who was offended, saying it was in the 'heat of the moment' isn't an excuse, but one comment, one mistake, does not make me a racist.

"My wife, kids, family and friends (yes, I do have some friends) know this.

"Thanks to the people who have supported me and have understood that I made a mistake and sorry again to the people I offended."

Marler escaped sanction after Six Nations officials deemed his remorse – he apologised to Lee at half-time of that match – and subsequent admonishing by England as sufficient punishment.

But World Rugby's decision to continue with their investigation indicated a degree of dissatisfaction with the Six Nations disciplinary process.

"World Rugby can confirm that the Joe Marler misconduct hearing is scheduled to take place on April 5 in London," read a World Rugby statement issued on March 28.

"The case will be heard by an independent judicial committee, assembled by the independent judicial chairman in accordance with World Rugby regulation 18.